Is it time to replace my slow IMac?

My iMac has been painfully, frustratingly slow for some time, but now I really need to get it sorted. It is a late 2013 model running catalina only using half the available storage. after reading previous questions I have just run the Etrecheck report below. It looks like the hard drive is on the way out, so my next question is do I go with another IMac or a MacBook? I have thousands of photos, but have good iCloud storage and will now need a reliable computer for a new business. Help!!


iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 16, 2023 1:02 AM

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Posted on Jul 16, 2023 8:39 AM

If you need a reliable computer for a new business then this is a great time to get a new computer. I would suggest either a Macbook or a Mac Mini. (The iMac line has not been updated since April 2021). If necessary you could use external storage to keep the photos.


If you wish to keep your old 2013 as a secondary computer for personal use you can fix most of the performance issues by purchasing an external USB 3.0 SSD and reinstalling MacOS onto that.

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Jul 16, 2023 8:39 AM in response to clairelsm

If you need a reliable computer for a new business then this is a great time to get a new computer. I would suggest either a Macbook or a Mac Mini. (The iMac line has not been updated since April 2021). If necessary you could use external storage to keep the photos.


If you wish to keep your old 2013 as a secondary computer for personal use you can fix most of the performance issues by purchasing an external USB 3.0 SSD and reinstalling MacOS onto that.

Jul 16, 2023 10:28 AM in response to clairelsm

Your hard drive is failing. Though it would be possible to replace it or go to an external SSD instead, I'm not sure I'd invest the money in that.


If money is tight, then I'd go the external SSD route. At least it would be usable when you do get around to replacing your Mac.


Otherwise, bake sure you have good backups! Your hard drive could fail completely at any moment.

Jul 16, 2023 10:21 AM in response to clairelsm

I agree with the others that it might be time to seriously consider a new Mac. If budget is a concern look at Apple's refurbished Macs. Since the new iMacs and Minis can have RAM upgraded after purchase be sure to get at least a minimum of 15 GB of RAM and a 1 TB boot drive. You'll have to look carefully to find one with those specs.


Since you're running Catalina you don't have to worry about 32 bit apps not working. That was addressed when you went to Catalina.


If you go with a new Mac Mini look for a 3rd party monitor that is 4K and has built in speakers. LG has some pretty good 27 and 32 inch models.


Good luck.


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Is it time to replace my slow IMac?

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